The first Airbus A330-800 development aircraft has completed its maiden flight, which lasted 4hr 4min (
www.airbus.com).
This is the second member of the A330neo Family, powered by the latest technology Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 turbofans and featuring new 3-D optimised wings.
Guillaume Faury, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said: “The A330-800 is the latest addition to our wide-body family.
“It is an exceptionally versatile ‘route opener’, offering unbeatable economics for airlines — encompassing everything from short- to very-long-haul wide-body missions.”
The A330-800’s development programme includes around 300 flight-test hours, paving the way for certification in 2019.
The larger A330-900 Family member recently completed its development testing and certification programme, which validated the A330neo Family’s common engines and systems.
The A330-900 can carry up to 287 passengers, while the A330-800 can carry 257.
Based on the A330-200, of which more than 650 have been sold, the A330-800 offers a greater range (up to 8,150 nautical miles) and more than 17 hours of flying time, which covers 98% of all wide-body routes flown today.